The Classic Fixer-Upper: Golden Rules for Fixing Up an Old House

Fixing up an old house can be a fun project. It also can drain your bank account if you don’t budget for the repairs.

It’s easy to spend your Saturday afternoon watching HGTV and its line-up of shows on remodeling, upgrading, and flipping homes. You will need to stay grounded and understand these shows have staged productions. They have promotion deals with home improvement stores and local contractors.

If a renovation is on the horizon, read on for the golden rules to fixing up an old house on a budget.

1. Have a Budget

This golden rule can’t get stressed enough. Remodeling on any level will always have unforeseen expenses. Taking on an old house is bound to have hidden repairs you won’t see until you begin the work.

2. Preserve the Original Detail When Fixing Up an Old House

There is a difference between renovating and remodeling. In renovating an old house you are restoring it back to its original condition. This doesn’t mean you can’t add some modern fixtures to increase the aesthetics.

Items you want to pay close attention to include woodwork, bricks and stones, fireplaces, and windows. If these items are salvageable it can add resale value to the home.

3. Check the Heating and Air Conditioner

Any home purchase requires a thorough check of the heating and air. Older homes located in certain parts of the country have furnaces instead of central heating.

Repairing an old furnace will need a furnace repair contractor. If you’re lucky you can fix any problems and won’t require replacements.

Older homes might have window AC units. These can do a number on electric bills. In this instance, you will need to decide if you want to install central air.

4. Test for Lead Paint

Homes built before 1978 could have lead-based paint. This paint has the potential to have health risks in young children and expecting mothers.

Consider lead testing when fixing up a house that is more than 40 years old. If lead is detected and you want to remedy the problem, you will need to hire a certified lead abatement contractor. For restoration purposes, repaint the home in the same colors. You can also choose colors from the era the home was built.

Don’t panic, not all homes built before 1978 were painted with lead-based paint.

5. Restoring Damaged Plaster

It is not about matching the strokes and design. You will also need to reproduce the same consistency and use the same tools. If not, repairs will be noticeable.

Is it Time to Call the Professionals?

Now that you understand the rules of fixing up an old house, calling in the pros may sound like a better idea. It’s okay to do smaller jobs yourself and leave the more complex tasks to skilled workers.

One area to consider getting a pro to do is electrical work. Click here to learn the six things to look for when hiring an electrician.